It’s that time!! Even though I birth at home I still put together a hospital bag for emergencies and/or postpartum care. I didn’t use it with my first baby, but with my second I went to a maternity centre for a few days afterwards which was ah-mazing. I’m doing the same this time, so need to have a bag prepped. Read on to see what I’m packing, and download my checklist below!
First time regrets:
Ohmygosh, so many regrets with my packing choices last time! Mainly with the clothing I took for myself. When you’re heavily pregnant there’s so few things that still fit, so I hoped for the best and popped in some random clothing that I felt like I could sacrifice from my regular rotation. So many bad choices. Tshirts that were too tight, PJs that were way too hot to wear, undies that dug in and tights that were just awful. It sounds like a bunch of first world problems (which it is) but of all times in your life, this is really one that you want to feel comfy in right? Anyway…. let’s hop to it.
Mama’s Bag
So with my regrets from last time in mind, I decided to be super intentional in choosing clothing that would make me feel much more comfortable. I plan to stay three days, so need to have a few options available. I feel like there’s SO much focus on buying things for baby and you forget about yourself! Since this is my third baby, I’m pretty well set up in terms of baby things, so put aside money to get some things for me instead, I decided to pop into Kmart and grab a selection of cosy affordable items to wear postpartum both at the maternity centre and at home. Everything I chose I can mix and match and easily breastfeed in. My maternity centre was super hot AND I had crazy postpartum sweats so I’ve picked short sleeved pjs, singlets and shorts to take.
Clothing:
- robe – I decided on a light cotton one like this
- short sleeved breastfeeding PJs from Asos
- maternity singlets x2 – I’ve used these since my first babe and LOVE them
- maternity knickers x6 – I’ve opted for these over super high ones as I found the waistband irritated my placenta wound in my tummy last time. I used this style first time and loved them.
- loose tshirts x2
- loose loungewear shorts
- soft henley tops x2
- cardigan
- trackpants
- tights – I wear these ones right through pregnancy and postpartum!
Postpartum Things:
- adult nappies (Depends brand from the supermarket) – these have come highly recommended by you guys! My maternity centre provides pads that I can use too. A lot of you have said to layer a pad inside the nappy to make it more absorbent and last longer
- cloth breastpads – not sure if I’ll really need these but I’ll pop them in anyway!
- lansinoh nipple cream – great for lips too!
- poweraide bottle – for spraying down under whilst peeing. Total MUST HAVE.
- ural sachets – to neutralise your wee and reduce sting
- essential oils – I take Clary Calm to help with after birth pains, plus a few others for emotions and sleep (Ad)
- silverette nursing cups – this is my first time using these and I’m excited to see if they help out!
- hydrogel breast discs – soothing to the nipples but can be annoying to wash the residue off
- ice pack – I have a two pack of the Viva la Vulva ice packs. I’ll keep one at home and take the other to the maternity centre along with my padsicles
- peri spray – I DIY this and use after going to the loo to help with healing
Other Things I’m Taking:
- iphone charger with long cord
- entertainment (tablet with movies or magazine)
- breastfeeding pillow – the ones at my maternity centre last time were terrible so I’m taking my own
- camera
- general toiletries – I make up a bag of things that I can leave in my hospital bag. Minis are great for this!
- makeup – personal choice, but I definitely feel better with a bit of mascara!
- snacks
- drink bottle – I recently got a Frank Green bottle and really rate it
Baby’s Bag
For this I’ve gone pretty simple! I’ve actually packed into a large nappy caddy (this one) and it fits perfectly. My maternity centre provides nappies and wipes, so I’ve only popped a few in this time. For clothing, I really love Nature Baby. I buy mostly plain white/cream because I don’t find out the gender, and then I can easily keep them for future babes too! The kimono style bodysuits are so great for dressing newborns and their gowns are fab for babes. I prefer gowns to onesies, but if going in the car, then a gown doesn’t work. I’m taking all newborn size (0000) and typically have 8lb babies that fit into NB fine. I’ve definitely gone with more rather than less in terms of clothing here and I probably won’t use this all. I’m having a winter babe too so have all the woollies packed!
- singlets x 3
- short sleeved body suits x 3
- outfits (long sleeved bodysuit + pants) x2
- gowns x 2
- onesie x 1
- socks x 1
- woollen booties x 1
- woollen singlet x 1
- woollen cardigan x 1
- woollen hat x 1
- cotton hat x 1
- mittens x1
- muslin swaddles x 2
- stretchy swaddle x 1 – these are my fave
- blanket for carseat
- car seat
- nappies
- wipes
- nappy rash cream – I like to use Tui Balm
- dummies – super helpful for day 3 when your milk isn’t quite there but baby wants to suck
- body wash – incase baby ends up needing a bath
Birth Basket
Because I’m planning for a home birth, I’ve put together a basket set just for birth. If I happen to birth somewhere different, I’ll take this whole basket with me too! I’ve heard from other Mums that its helpful to have your birth things seperate from your other things at the hospital anyway, so pack your birthing things in a basket like this or a seperate bag.
What’s Inside:
- wooden combs to use in labour
- essential oils
- birth affirmation cards
- first outfit for baby
- muslin swaddle
- poweraide – love to drink this in labour
- bra for birthing in
- heat pack
- battery powered candles
- lollies and dried fruit
Ta da! That’s it. I’m pretty happy with what I’ve packed this time but will report back on my Instagram after. Happy packing!
